Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2

Arthur Tyndal to John Winthrop1

Tyndal, Arthur Winthrop, John

1629-11-10

To his worthy Brother John Winthrope Esqr. at Mr. Downinge his house in Byshops court neer the conduit in Fleet street.

My verie good Brother,

After my returne home from yow, I fell into disquiett with my selfe; thinkinge that I came short, in giueinge yow satisfacion concerninge that poynt, propounded by yow of so maine importance, (vizt) whether I had absolutelie resolued to master my desires, and conuersacion, and to liue vnder the Hierarchie of your church and ciuill gouerment, purposed and concluded among your selues. Which consideracion hath principallie vrged these troblesome lines; to giue, vnder my owne hand, a testimonie of my selfe; That from the verie first birth of my resolucion, to serve in this busines, I firmelie and vnmoueablie determined, and still and euer, (the grace of god assistinge me) shall determine, to giue vp all my faculties, and powers both of soule, and bodie, instruments, weapons and ministers to serue yow in that vnitie bond, and waie of pietie, and deuocion, which your selues shall imbrace, and insue: And so farr I besiche yow let me be, from beinge suspected of obstinacie or non conformitie, that yow would be pleased to vnderstand, that I much comfort my selfe, in the grace of him, that is master and giuer of all grace and power, that I shall be an example, and true light to continue manie refractaries in flexibilitie, and obedience, oh, if I obtaine the happines, to laye but one stone in the foundacion of this new Syon, I shalbe rauished with high content. And for the sinceritie of my heart, in these conclucions, I appeale, not onlie to earth, but to him that made both heauen and earth. Sir we haue been much startled with 167the vncertaine report of the restraint, of diuers most honorable personages, the cause not knowne, if it shall please yow to disperse this mist for vs, if yow cann, or if tyme hath brought it to light, wee shall thankfully feede vppon your curtesie. My brother, and Sister louinglie salute yow: And I the vnworthiest, with ardent prayer to god, for a full gale of blessinges vppon your pious and honorable designements, and with the free offer of my poore abilities a sacrifice to your service humblie rest Your most obliged Freind and Brother

Arth: Tyndale. Chelmeshoes 10th of No: 1629 1.

W. Au. 42; L. and L. , II. 413–414.

John Winthrop to Margaret Winthrop1

Winthrop, John Winthrop, Margaret

1629-11-11

To his verye louinge wife mrs. Winthrop the elder at Groton Suffolk dd.

My deare wife,

I must needs write to thee by this bearer, though I can write little in regarde of my much businesse. I prayse God, I came safe hither, where I found all in health, and so (through his mercye) we continue. I haue sent downe my horses, because I am like to staye somewhat longer then I made accompt of, but I shall make what hast I can backe. heer is much newes, diuers great personages questioned and committed, but the cause yet vncertaine:2 St. Christophers is taken by the Spanyard, and the English there honestly sent home;3 the same is reported of the Barbethes but not so certaine, but if it be the people are all safe; some would discourage vs with this newes, but there is no cause, for neither are we in the like danger, and besides God is with vs, and will surely keepe vs. I shall take tyme to write to thee againe in the ende of the weeke so for this tyme, with all our hearty salutations to thy selfe my good sister Fones, and the 168rest of our freinds with my loue and blessinge to all our children I commende thee to the Lorde, so I kisse my sweet wife and rest thy faithfull husband,

Jo: Winthrop. London, Nou: 11. 1629.

my sonne remembers his dutye to thee and his aunt, and loue to all etc.

W. 7 A. 32; Savage (1825), I. 361–362; (1853), I. 434–435; L. and L. , I. 355–356.

“On Tuesday evening were sent Mr. Vice-chamberlain and others to seal up Sir Robert Cotton's library, and to bring himself before the Council. There was found in his custody a pestilent tractat, which he had fostered as his child, and had sent abroad into divers hands, containing a project how a Prince may make himself an absolute tyrant. This device he had communicated to divers lords who, on his confession, are questioned and restrained; the Earl of Somerset to the Bishop of London, Lord Clare to the Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Bedford to the writer knows not whom. Cotton himself is in custody.” The Archbishop of York to Sir Henry Vane, London, November 6: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1629–1631, 89. See D. N. B. , XII. 312.

November 5, “Two Dutch ships have arrived in Falmouth harbor with 24 English planters of good account from St. Christopher's, who were found at sea in distress. They relate that the island had been taken by a Spanish fleet of 34 ships,” etc. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial, 1574–1660, 102, 103.